Representations of the state’s various geographic areas are featured in this five-acre garden. They include a Western Maryland forest, a streamside environment and an Eastern Shore peninsula. In addition, the barrier-free garden contains pleasant ponds; a raised planter with plants of varied textures, tastes and fragrances; and many cultivated plantings.

Nestled amid state government office buildings that include the headquarters of the Department of Natural Resources, the garden is named in honor of Mrs. J. Millard Tawes, a former first lady of Maryland. She and Governor Tawes were the state’s gracious hosts from 1959-1967.

Prior to construction of the Tawes State Office Building in the early 1970's, the garden site was a flat cinder lot. For many years, it provided a home for the West Annapolis carnival. The garden is open daily from dawn till dusk; admission, guided tours (by reservation) and many programs are free of charge. The cafeteria is open from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. while the gift shop’s hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (both are Monday through Friday except state holidays).

The Tawes Garden Fall 2008 e-Newsletter - The Black-Eyed Susan is here!!
The newsletter is in a PDF format that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. (Adobe Acrobat file) - To get the free Acrobat Reader go to Adobe.com.

Volunteer!
Interested in supporting the Tawes Garden? Donate your time and become a volunteer and help garden staff with planting, special events, educational programs, and service projects.

The Tawes State Office Building is located at 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis. New security measures are in place at this complex. Visitors must show a photo ID and sign in with the guard upon entering the building. Only the revolving door in the lobby is open for entry. All other doors are for exiting the building only.

A wide variety of tasks await those who would like to assist in working in the garden. If you would like to help or need more information, please contact our horticulturist, Jay Myers, at 410-260-8184.

If you would like to help in our gift shop, please contact us at 410-260-8183.

Don't have time to volunteer? If you like, you can make a cash contribution. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation can do so by writing a check to Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc. P. O. Box 5907, Annapolis MD 21403.

October 2008

Discover Nature
Colors in Nature
Wednesday, October 22nd at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Why do leaves change color? Learn how Mother Nature turns the woods into a rainbow of autumn color. Afer a garden walk to explore the fall colors, children will use their aretistic talent to make a natural painting to take home.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact Sara Marcinak at 410-260-8183

Pumpkin Pickin'
Woodbine, Maryland
Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Visit Larriland Farm for their fall festival. Talke in the rolling fields of autumn color s you hunt for the perfect pumpkin. For an added fee, go on a hayride over the and through the woods. Enjoy crafts and freshly squeezed apple cider.

Van Trip (all ages)
$5/person; $4 for TGV (reservations required)
Meet at the Tawes BUilding, Annapolis

November 2008

Discover Nature
Thanksgiving Turkeys
Wednesday, November 19th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the wild turkey our national emblem? Join the naturalist as she reads a story about turkeys. Following the story, children will go for a walk in the garden. Afterwards they will create a turkey out of a pine cone that they can take home to decorate their Thanksgiving table.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact Sara Marcinak at 410-260-8183

December 2008

Annual Poinsettia Sale
Thursday, December 4th & Friday, December 5th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tawes Building lobby, Annapolis

A gorgeous selection of fresh poinsettias from a local grower will be available in an assortment of sizes and colors. Shop early for the best selection!

Sponsored by the Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc.

Annual Holiday Greens Sale
Thursday, December 11th & Friday, December 12th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tawes Building lobby & conference room, Annapolis

Fresh evergreen centerpieces, small arrangements, wreath and bags of mixed greens will be on hand along with a variety of colorful poinsettias in various sizes.

Sponsored by the Friends of Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Inc.

Holiday Workshop
Friday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. - noon

Using an assortment of fresh greens and berries of the season, participants will be taught how to design a holiday center piece to adorn their mantel or dining table. Please bring clippers, scissors and gloves. All other materials will be provided.

Adults - $25/person
Registration required; call 410-260-8189

Brookside's Garden of Lights
Wheaton, Maryland
Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

This spectacular outdoor walk-through display with more than 700,000 twinkling lights, along with festively decorated conservatories, will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. After you stroll the gardens, check out the tasty refreshments available for purchase in the visitor center's auditorium while listening to local performers.

Van Trip (all ages)
$5/person; $4 for TGV (reservations required)
Meet at the Tawes Building, Annapolis

Discover Nature
Wednesday, December 17th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Why do some trees lose their leaves in winter? Join the garden naturalist as she reads about a bear's adventure in the winter woods. After a garden walk, children will create a foamie holly wreath to take home.

Childrens' Program - Ages 3-5 (with an adult)
$1/child (registration is required)
Meet in lobby of Tawes Building, Annapolis
For further information, contact Sara Marcinak at 410-260-8183

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (except State holidays)

Reasonably-priced gifts and books for the environmentally-minded. Stumped on what to get someone? Consider a gift certificate from the shop!

Cash, personal checks & Visa/Mastercard accepted

• To the Garden: From US Route 50, take exit #24 (Rowe Boulevard) toward downtown Annapolis; turn right at Taylor Avenue, then left onto Sachs Drive at DNR building. The Tawes State Office Complex is located at 580 Taylor Avenue. If you have never visited Annapolis, you can get directions here.

Public Transportation: Served by Annapolis Transit's Gold Route on Rowe Boulevard ($.75), State Shuttle or Navy Blue Route (both free). For more information visit www.annapolis.gov/transport or call 410-263-7964.

For Garden events information, contact the garden staff at 410-260-8189.